The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-19
APPROACHING A CRISIS
A Missionary from Rome Who Thinks
Italy Is on the Verge ola Revolution.
The Papal Party's Fight for the Restoration
of Temporal Power-lmprovements in
Italy's System Of Government.

has only recently come to this country for the
purpose OF obtaining assistance in promoting his
Christian work, was asked by a Journal reporter
about the condition of affairs politically in Italy.
II think" he replied, that Italy is on the verge
of great political change For many years the
political parties have been the Conservatives
and the liberals. The latter were actively in
favor of reforms of every kind, and doubtless
went to extremes in many things. The Con-
servatives held to old customs and theories. At
present new element is coming rapidly TO the
frontin Italian politics. When Victor Emmanuel
entered Rome it was submitted to vote whether
the temporal power of the Pope should con-
tinue, or Victor Emmanuel should rule.
The Pope instructed the people who sided
with him vote, and the result
was that Victor Emm auuel received 1873, 68I votes
while the Pope had but / SOL So long as Plus
TX lived he objected to his adherents voting un-
der the government, but under the present
Pope this has been changed. He urges his ad-
herents to take active part in politics, with
view to the rest Grafton of temporal power. At
present they are enrolling all those who will
vote for Deputies who will advocate the restora-
ton Of temporal power, and the next great po-
litical struggle will be that line. Some fights
have already been made that issue, and the
results thus far that in the recent elections
the papal party elected every member of the
city governments of Palermo, Naples. Rome,
Genoa, Milan, and Venice. In several other
large cities they elected the majority of the city
officials. I anticipate, therefore, that a major
ity of the Chamber of Deputies will be elected
from the papal party; and it is almost certain
that the attempt to e-estabiish tenn oral pow
by that majority will result in revolution and
bloodshed extensive scale"
The Chamber of Deputies alone cannot make
the change, it'll"
mo, it is but branch of the legislative
department The Senate is not elective. The
Senators appoiu ted by the King from those
who have distinguished themselves in the sery-
lee of the state, such as generals admirais sci
entists, explorers. and the like. They hold for
life."
''Do you think the systems adopted since the
disesta blishment of temporal power have been
beneficial TO the people of 1talyP
Eyes, sir; very evidently Take, for
ample, the army system. Every young
owes five years service to the country. He en-
enters thu army rough, ignorant and boorish.
He receives two soldi-equivalent to two cents
per diem for mis- service but he has strict dis
sanitary fcare Our soldiers lie the ground
TO sleep in campaigns. but the Italian soldier
carries his bedstead with him. 1t is an
ingenious arrangement of pegs aad can
vas that keeps him off the ground Their
drilling is constant that it is considered severe
by outsiders. But further, it is recognized that
an intelligent soldiery is more effective than an
ignorant one and hence the government fur
nishes teachers and school supplies, and
quires every soldier TO learn to read aud write,
and to acquire the elements of arithmetic. At
the end of five years the soldier resumes civil
life. trained, disciplined, and at least educated
enough TO be a better citizen. He has to pass
his examinations before he get his
charge. With many the education goes further.
The quicker and more ambitious men read all
they can, and become well:informed. Again.
? Italy realizes the Importance of having In an
army everything necessary for a campaign. and
she provides teachers for engineering work of
every description Men are taken from the
he and ira mad ms amir hat II ha
necessary to build bridge repair locomo-
tive, there will be competent hand
Hence, many leave the army good, skilled work
The soldiers are free to worship as they
choose. There are no chaplains in the army.
and no compulsory religious services. They re-
main but three months at one place. This Is
partially to accustom them to speedy move
ment, and partially for health, the lower por-
tons of Italy malarious regions and would
be injurious to men remaining IN them for any
great length of time"
us there any provision for the education of
the poorer classesE"
Yes very excellent system. The govern
nent has normal schools in all the large cities
In which free tuition is given to persons who de-
clare their intention of serving as teachers. The
graduates given positions in the public
schools. and each year required to pass ex-
aminat!ons in certain additional studies. If
teacher fail once. he goes over the work sec
ond year. but second failure to pass annual
examination causes discharge. Attendance at
school is compulsory between the ages of five
and twelve. All children listed, and when
they fail to attend the parent is summoned be-
foreSthe proyiditore or SUPERINTENDENT, TO give
the reasons The practical difficulty is that the
accom- rotations are limited, and therefore
many children deprived of schooling They
do not build schoo-houses. but rent converts,
palaces and other buildings Before any school,
public private, can be opened. notice must be
given the medical examiner, who carefully
measures the rooms. tests the walls for damp
ness and looks after the ventilation The meas
urement determines the maximum number OF
pupils, the law requires that certain
Der of cubic metres of air must be allowed for
each one. The government will not allow any
one to teach private school without diploma
or license The teacher must to the pro-
viditore and satisfy him of mis- qualifications and
moral character. The license is good for one
year only aud must be renewed at the expira-
ton of that time private teacher does not
have to pass annualsexamnations. but his moral
character must be kept upt o the standard"
"Does religion have place in the instruction
given"
Eyes The Roman Catholic is the religion of
the state though the people are not taxed TO
support it. For this reason. and il was con-
sidered the duty of the state to provide religious
instruction. it was provided that the Roman
Catholic Catechism should be taught in the
schools but children whose parents did not wish
them instructed were not required to be pres
ent during the lesson. Afterwards law was
made that the people OF each ward should decide
BY vote whether the Catechism should be taught
not OF course. there few places where
the Roman Catholics are not in majority. but
the principle is right. think that in the United
States, wherever the Roman Catholics are in
10 aiority in ward, the Catholic B BILE should be
read IN the public schools. 1t differs very little
from the Protestant Bible and it is only justice
TO give people of different faiths equal footing
u the schools"
Does private enterprise keep pace with the
progress of the government
Largely, though PROBABLY not wholly. It is
a common remark of American tourists that
Rome is the Chicago of Europe. When Victor
Emmanuel began his reign there were three
large building companies that commenced op-
eratons in Rome-the German, Austrian and
Italian. They have been building in what were
formerly the old, waste parts of the city, and
have completely transformed it. They re-
ouired by law to excavate to 'hard-pan for
foundations and any art treasures found in this
excavation belong to the government. 1t has a
man watching all the time 70 that none
carried away. Great care is taken in seeing that
the walls made strong and durable, and after
. building is finished can reside in it IN